Culinary Tuesdays

August 21, 2012

Smashed & Roasted Potatoes

These little potatoes are boiled, smashed, seasoned and then roasted in the oven for a creamy texture with some crunch. So, imagine eating a crispy and creamy mashed potatoes…..and that is exactly what it actually tastes like. This is another side dish that I picked up from Rachael Ray a long time back. I’ve tried this recipe with all different potatoes, and the blue ones are my favorite but very hard to find in the summer. This side dish is versatile and tasty. Once you start popping them in your mouth, it will be hard to stop! ENJOY!!

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August 14, 2012

Roasted Balsamic Asparagus

If you like Asparagus and you haven’t roasted them yet….you are missing out on an easy & delicious side dish that goes with just about anything. I started making this when I saw it on the Rachel Ray show years ago and continue to make it regularly. The leftovers are also very useful in your morning omlet; stir fry’s or just snacking with dip. YUM!! ENJOY this quick and easy recipe. Read More…

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August 7, 2012

Mango Cheesecake Cups

Nutrition per serving: Weight Watchers Points + 3 ~ Calories 119.1 ~ Fat 5.5 g ~ Carbohydrate 13.6 g ~ Fiber 0.6 g ~ Protein 4.1 g

These Skinny Mini Mango Cheesecake Cups are delish These light and flavorful cheesecake cups are flavored with real mango puree and Greek yogurt. You still get the taste of the graham cracker crust at the bottom with just a little bit of butter. Did I mention that these are only 119 calories per serving and 3+ weight watcher points? So, next time you are craving cheesecake just know that there is a healthier alternative and all you need is a few ingredients!! ENJOY! Read More…

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July 29, 2012

Orzo Salad with Summer Vegetables

An elegant looking pasta salad that you can whip up in no-time. This pasta salad is super Quick and Easy…..A light & Healthy family-friendly meal perfect for lunch or a side dish. Although Orzo is a pasta it is never heavy, my family loves this light little pasta salad. This dish can be served at room temperature or can be eaten cold, making it perfect for all those Summer BBQ’s. The perfect way to use all those extra veggies that we have laying around. Substitute any veggies that you have. ENJOY!! Read More…

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July 24, 2012

Chicken Soulvaki Pita

Nutrition per Pita Pocket: Weight Watchers Points + 6 ~ Calories 228.1 ~ Fat 2.0 g ~ Carbs 26.4 g ~ Fiber 6.2 g ~ Protein 29.2 g

A Summer Staple that is quick, easy, light, refreshing and very Healthy! This course consists of Chicken Soulvaki garnished with vegetables of your choice. I like using sliced cucumber, tomatoes, red onions, red pepper, green pepper and mixed lettuces topped off with tzatziki sauce stuffed in a lightly baked pita. If you have leftover veggies, serve it as a small side salad. For my 1 point Tzatziki sauce recipe click here. Cut up a lemon and squeeze on top for a refreshing lemony taste. Leftovers are great for lunch the next day. If you are prepping this in advance: Cook the chicken and store in the fridge, cut up the veggies in advance and store in a large ziplock bag with a paper towel in it to absorb any excess water. The day that you want to serve microwave the chicken and pop the pita in the toaster oven. You may want to double to Tzatziki sauce if your family likes to dip their veggies in it like mine do. My 3 year old son loves the Tzatziki sauce…if only I can get him to pronounce it correctly Read More…

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July 17, 2012

Tzatziki Sauce Greek Cucumber/Yogurt Sauce

Tzatziki is a Greek & Turkish sauce that is used on soulvaki or gyros. It is a cold refreshing sauce or dip that pairs well with meat, pitas, pita chips and veggies. There are so many variations of how to make Tzatziki……. I like to add mint, parsley and dill for a fresh & flavorful sauce.

Try out my Greek Lamb Chops recipe and dunk it into the Tzatziki……yummm!! OR if you are a chicken lover…My Chicken Soulvaki Pita recipe is coming soon!!

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July 15, 2012

Chipotle Chicken with Mango Avocado Salsa

Are you looking for a refreshing meal? Your search is over….Chipotle Chicken with Mango Avocado Salsa has become a Summertime favorite in my house. The spicy, smokey and sweet flavors in this dish will dance in your mouth. This chicken makes my 3 year-old son shake his booty. I always know when he is enjoying his meal when he does his “booty shaking dance.” Break the monotony of cooking and enjoy this quick, easy & refreshing dish with your friends and family Click here for the Mango Avocado Salsa Recipe Read More…

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July 10, 2012

Mango Avocado Salsa

Makes 6 servings of 1/2 cup each. Nutrition per serving: Weight Watchers Points + 4 ~ Calories 134.3 ~ Fat 9.0 g ~ Saturated Fat 1.3 g ~ Carbs 14.2 g ~ Fiber 4.9 g ~ Protein 1.6 g

Mango Avocado Salsa………doesn’t it just sound like Summer? This is my new favorite dip, snack, topper….etc. It is a truly refreshing dip and taste great on top of my Chipotle Baked Chicken (recipe coming in a few days)

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June 19, 2012

Masala Kale Chips

I am obsessed with potato chips and eat them all the time. My favorite are Masala Chips from India and luckily for me (unlucky for my thighs) I can get them from my Indian Grocery Store. So, I tried to use the same flavor of ingredients as in my Kale Chips. The end result was delicious. If you like a salty chip you may have to add more salt at the end of baking, I sure did! If you think your child will not even look at Kale Chips…You will be surprised……My son couldn’t & wouldn’t wait until I took picture for this blog entry. Encourage your child to try different veggie chips, they may like them.

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June 12, 2012

Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Shells

Makes 25 Stuffed Shells; Nutrition for 1 Shell : Weight Watchers Points + 2 ~ Calories 87.8 ~ Total Fat 2.4 g ~ Carbs 12.0 g ~ Fiber 1.5 g ~ Protein5.3 g

Dear Vegetarians…..This one is for all of you whom requested more recipes

Have you ever bit into a chip dipped into an ooey gooey Spinach & Artichoke dip? Well, imagine eating that dip stuffed inside a jumbo pasta shell covered with a chunky tomato sauce…………YUP! That is what inspired me to make these This recipe does not take long to come together and I always freeze 1/2 for those days where my son asks for stuffed shells. Low points, Low fat, Low carbs & high protein………and delicious! I hope your family enjoys these as much as mine. You can serve with a salad or veggies for a complete low point meal. **Meat lovers- brown some sausage, beef or turkey & add to the sauce! ENJOY!

If you want to use homemade marinara sauce <—-click for recipe